AI search and AEO
Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)
Also called RAG
Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) is how many AI assistants answer with current information: they first search for relevant documents, then write an answer based on what they found, often citing those sources.
Why RAG matters for marketers
When an AI tool searches before answering, your page can be retrieved and quoted today, not only after the next model is trained. That makes being findable and quotable right now, through search rankings and clear content, directly useful for AI visibility.
What helps your pages get retrieved
- Ranking well in the search engines the AI tool uses.
- Pages focused on one question each, with the answer up top.
- Accurate, specific facts and up-to-date dates.
- Access for the AI tool's search bot.
Frequently asked questions
Most major assistants search the web for some questions, especially recent or specific ones. For general knowledge they may answer from training alone.
No. Training happens in advance; retrieval happens at the moment of the question.